Fifth Avenue Dance Studio

We were introduced to Fifth Avenue Dance Studio through a friend who invited us to one of their open house parties. It was a enjoyable night with an obvious , and comical, ""sales"" production but this is how the make money folks! We received an introductory package for dirt cheap ($25)....just enough to wet our whistle and left us wanting a bit more. So, we signed up for one of the packages (approx. $1500 for several 1 hour private and group lesson). It's about the same cost for a personal trainer at a gym but much more enjoyable and you don't have to disinfect the equipment before or after you use it. ;-) There are also Friday Night Parties to show off what you've learned and have a chance to dance with other students (and graduates) in a more relaxed atmosphere. And, don't think that just your grandparents are taking dance. We are in our 30's and the majority of people we have met are also in their 20's and 30's. We have never felt that we were being forced or pressured into buying anything. They have been more than willing to accommodate and have offered many options to us. You would get the same sales pitch from any dance studio. Give them a try and if it's not your thing or you think it's too expensive...then you can always say ""thanks, but no thanks"". We feel it's a good investment. Pros: Friendly staff, experienced staff, young and old welcome Cons: Can be an expensive hobby more

I was very nervous about my first dance lesson (I had bad dance expreiences in the past at other studios). I found Fifth Avenue to be very welcoming. The teachers were professional and put me at ease, I never felt pressured to enroll. Flexible scheduling is a big bonus. I LOVE my new hobby!!! So glad I went. Pros: comfortable, welcoming enviroment with porfessional staff more

Tried Fifth Avenue - it's close to home so why not? I'm having a great time and learning a lot. I love coming here, everyone is very helpful and nice. Pleasant learning atmosphere and very encouraging for a beginner like me. Good choice. Especially flexible schedules. Pros: Patient teachers, lots of laughter Cons: Crowded on Fridays more

I was a bit skeptical about my ability to learn dancing, I've always considered myself a bit awkward and in over my head on a dance floor - (I'm not a thin, graceful person by nature), but I am glad a friend recommended I try Fifth Avenue dance Studio. I have been there several months and am thrilled ( and slightly amazed - LOL - ) at my ability to retain and use what my teacher shows me. I may not be the flashiest dancer out there, but I'm confident enough now that I now look forward to dancing. The instructors (and other students) are patient and make the lessons fun and enjoyable. Who knew I could chachacha? I like my private lessons best, but also enjoy the group sessions, I get to dance with other students learning at my level and just enjoy socializing while I learn. I eagerly look forward to each and every visit. All the teachers seem very knowledgeable - not just about the dances, but also how best to help me learn quickly. I have to admit I did try another school briefly because it was closer to my home but the teachers at Fifth Avenue were so much more friendly and helpful that I stopped going to the other place. I'm glad I took my friend's advice and plan on being there a long time! Pros: Teachers are experienced pros and staff & students alike are welcoming and encouraging. Cons: Can't think of anything negative more

I was a teacher here briefly a few years back and because of their dishonest payroll policies at the time I don't feel bad about exposing their slimy practices. more

After years of procrastination, I finally decided to try to learn to dance. I live in close by and thought all right, bite the bullet, just do it. The teachers at Fifth Avenue Dance make my lessons fun and easy, even when I've had a bad day at work!!! I never thought I could learn to dance, but with patience and the skill of my talented instructor I'm well on my way to reaching a dance goal I only dreamed about. Vive la dance. Pros: Great atmosphere and dedicated staff, they really know their stuff Cons: Friday night parking can be a challenge more

Fifth Avenue Dance Studios is where I was first introduced to Ballroom dancing. I used to drive by the Studio after work and noticed the people dancing ? it looked like fun. I was inspired by what I saw and enrolled in a program. The staff there is friendly, professional and helpful. I liked that my lessons not only taught me how to dance ? I also had a new hobby that expanded my social life. I have taken lessons at other dance studios ? it's only natural to want to see what else is available out there ? I found that I received excellent training at Fifth Avenue. I have recently returned to Fifth Avenue because I find the atmosphere very comfortable, the staff is great, and I like how I am trained (Ballroom dance is typically taught by syllabus - this builds a progression of steps and patterns. Learning to dance well takes time). Pros: Correct technique is emphasized Cons: Studio located in Downtown Seattle - parking can be difficult more

My wife and I have a wonderful new hobby in dancing together. I have to say I was skeptical but the teachers are real professionals and have been patient and encouraging, which kept me coming back. It's been a few months now and already we've gone to social events and had a great time with our new found skills (and dance friends) on the dance floor. The flexible scheduling helped with arranging for babysitters...Wish I'd done it sooner Pros: Professional, fun teachers make it easy - friendly student body Cons: sometimes parking-give yourself a little extra time more

I danced at this studio for over a year after their high pressure sales techniques trapped me and my money. I had no control over my dances. After several thousand dollars, the staff refused to call me by my preferred name or take my concerns seriously. I was also unable to follow a student that was supposedly the same level as I was after we had both been there a year. The manager of the studio was cold and abrupt and the male instructors made me feel uncomfortable time and again. I recieved inappropriate phone messages at an alarming frequency and my requests to be left alone while I needed time off for major life events were not respected. Staff members develop intimate relationships with students making an ackward situation for all those involved. Every time I went to the studio I recieved dirty looks and personal questions. THe staff is socially ackward and the students do not gain a compentency to take with them into social dancing. Cons: rude teachers, no real instruction, unprofessional more

This dance studio is small and old fashioned. Much of the clientelle is retired, so if you have a problem with scheduling, its your fault. The women who run the studio are both cold and unapproachable. Lessons progress painfully slow, and don't even think about asking for help that doesn't follow their strict lesson plans. Friday night ""practice parties"" remind me of senior's bingo, where the old and older get together in the dark to fumble through dance moves as the owner and her primary male ""student"" swirl around through the crowd. The emphasis here is on them: they teach, you watch diligently and repeat. They do not encourage fun or laughter, or progression at a pace that is comfortable for the student. We attempted to get refund for lessons that we would be unable to complete and they refused. All in all, I would highly recommend going somewhere else. Pros: 2 of the teachers Cons: management, pressure sales, quality more

This company gives tons of pressure to buy lessons from them. If you decide you no longer want lessons they will not refund your money. Really bad business practices. Prepare for the run around with them. I do not recommen them at all. more